The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as the most significant public health crisis of the 21st century. As of the end of January 2023, global confirmed cases have exceeded 670 million, with a domestic cumulative total of 10.24 million cases, including occurrences of reinfection. Beyond acute symptoms following infection, patients and society face the challenge of long-term complications associated with COVID-19. Termed 'Post COVID-19 condition' or 'Long COVID' by the World Health Organization (WHO), this encompasses symptoms appearing within three months of the initial infection. Symptoms of Long COVID reveal chronic damage inflicted by the virus on multiple organ systems, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, chest tightness, palpitations, difficulty breathing, and depression.
Despite continuous efforts by healthcare professionals to find suitable treatments, no medication has been confirmed to effectively prevent or reduce post-COVID-19 sequelae. These health issues impose significant burdens and disturbances on patients' quality of life, economies, and societies.
Individuals who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 within the past year must present proof of diagnosis, such as medical certificates or screening results. The ICD-10 diagnosis codes are: U07.1 for confirmed COVID-19 viral infection, and U09.0 for post-COVID-19 condition, unspecified. Recovery is defined as testing negative in a COVID-19 rapid test.
Never diagnosed with hypertensive diseases (ICD-10 codes: I10.x or I11.x), diabetes (ICD-10 codes: E10.x or E11.x), or heart diseases (ICD-10 codes: I25.x, I50.x, I65.x, or I67.x and classified as Class I or II by the New York Heart Association functional classification).
Exhibiting long-term respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19, such as post-exertional breathlessness, chest discomfort, cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, etc., and meeting at least one of these criteria for inclusion.
Aged between 20 - 90 years.
Patients with a functional status classified as level 5 or higher on the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), indicating severe disability and bedridden status.
Patients suffering from dementia, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, etc.
Patients with acute psychiatric symptoms who are unable to communicate.
Individuals with a high risk of litigation.
National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Lead sponsor
Tri-Service General Hospital
Collaborator